Rockets report: Dekker excited about call-up, trip back home

Sam Dekker, fresh off hitting a last-minute 3-pointer to lift the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to victory Saturday, pulled up from 18 feet and ended Sunday's post-practice three-on-three session with another game-winner. In a long, trying rookie season, the Rockets' first-round draft pick from 2015 had given himself another reason to smile in a weekend full of them.

He had just gone through a D-League back-to-back with no issues in his recovery from back surgery, and he had begun to get his shooting touch back. And with the Rockets heading to Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Monday night, the former Wisconsin star from Sheboygan was recalled from Rio Grande Valley in time to make the trip back home.

"That's just how it worked out," Dekker said. "That was kind of nice. They had a nice homestand down in RGV, got some wins. Now I get to go home, see my family. I'm excited to get there tonight, get some dinner. I'm sure there will be a lot of Badger fans in Bradley Center tomorrow."

Dekker likely won't play against Milwaukee, but he has made significant progress in his development, averaging 13 points in 24 minutes in his last three games with the Vipers.

"My first few games in RGV, I wasn't jumping under my jump shot and I was leaving everything flat and short," Dekker said. "I've been working a lot in the mornings, at nights, getting my heels down and jumping and finding that rhythm. It's feeling better every day.

"I haven't been healthy up here. I played three games and was kind of limited. This will be my first go. We'll see what happens. I'm just going to be ready if my name is called. My back's 100 percent. I have no problems at all. It's just a matter of me getting conditioned. I feel great, ready to go and I'm excited for what is to come."

Power-forward

cup runneth over

With Donatas Motiejunas returning to the rotation and interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff still hoping to find playing time for rookie Montrezl Harrell, the Rockets appear to have more power forwards than they have playing time.

Josh Smith is starting. Terrence Jones has played four games since his car accident.

"They all might not play," Bickerstaff said. "That's what it's going to have to come down to. We want to get those guys longer stretches. Whoever plays best at that position is going to play. With Clint (Capela, the Rockets' backup center) out, some (guys) will have to play some five, but there's enough there to get everybody a run and then, as the game progresses … whatever group plays the best with that guy on the floor is going to be on the floor.

"We'll give those guys an opportunity and see who takes advantage of it."

More Information

Scouting report: at Milwaukee

TV/radio: Root; 790 AM and 850 AM (Spanish).

Rockets update: They are 4-5 in February heading into the final game of the month. … The game is the first of six of seven on the road, with each road game against Eastern Conference teams. The Rockets are 13-16 on the road and 8-11 against Eastern Conference teams this season after going 23-7 against the East last season. … The Rockets are 4-8 in their last 12 games after going 9-3 in their previous 12 games. … The Rockets have a five-game winning streak against the Bucks, including a 102-98 victory at Toyota Center this season. … Corey Brewer averaged 12.5 points on 72.7-percent shooting over the last two games after averaging six points on 27.3-percent shooting in the previous five games. … Center Clint Capela is questionable with a sprained right foot.

Bucks update: They lead the NBA in scoring in the paint, averaging 49.9 points a game in the lane. They have scored 60 points in the paint a league-high 10 times. … The Bucks are sixth in shooting percentage, making 46.2 percent of their shots. … Center Greg Monroe has been moved to coming off the bench with Miles Plumlee starting. Monroe is playing slightly more as a reserve than he was as a starter, averaging 15.9 points on 53.4-percent shooting. … Guard Jerryd Bayless (sprained knee joint capsule) is questionable. Center/forward John Henson (sore lower back), forward Steve Novak (sprained left knee) and guard Greivis Vasquez (ankle surgery) are out.

Statistically speaking: Shooting 44.5 percent this season (roughly the same as last season), the Rockets have made 47.5 percent of their shots in the last four games. They are 19-11 when making better than 45 percent of their shots.

Bickerstaff likes

Harrell's upside

Rookie Montrezl Harrell has remained outside the rotation at power forward with the Rockets playing Josh Smith and Terrence Jones and getting Donatas Motiejunas back from an injury.

"I think Montrezl is going to have a huge impact," Bickerstaff said. "It's just a matter of me getting him on the floor and finding a role for him. But the skill that he has translates on all levels. He plays with great heart. He plays with great passion to go along with his natural tools.

"Guys like that can have an impact. Every time we put him on the floor, he's impactful."

Jonathan Feigen

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